When an individual in recovery totally gives up on their treatment plan, they are said to have relapsed. It's easy to get confused because the terms "slipping" and "relapse" are used interchangeably at times. Some addicts consider them to be the same thing, however this perception is very contingent on the specific addiction experiences of each individual. The purpose of the addict is what most addiction therapists consider to be the most important factor in determining whether or not a relapse has occurred.
A slip is the unintentional consumption of alcohol or drugs on a single occasion. A potential situation is the use of alcohol or drugs without awareness. For instance, they give you a vodka tonic when all you asked for was tonic water with lime, or they give you a brownie pot when you thought you were ordering a regular brownie. Depending on the specifics of the situation, it may be exceedingly challenging to avoid giving in to temptation.
When you go out with your coworkers, you find yourself fighting the urge to utilize drugs or drink "just this time." It's possible that you're in a highly stressful situation, and someone who doesn't realize you're an addict gives you some pills "to soothe your nerves." But you're actually an addict. It will help to avoid making these blunders if you are aware of the triggers and if you are honest about the sickness. Nevertheless, it is imperative that you immediately resume your disaster recovery plan in the event that an error occurs. Become aware of your surroundings, put down your drink, and inform the person you're with that you've recently been provided alcohol and are in need of assistance (blank).
I regret not being able to say to Kyle, "Kyle, that has alcohol in it, please don't be terrified, I need a second to think and calm myself," as I wish I had. There is no such thing as being "cured" from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, regardless of how long someone has been sober. Recognizing and owning up to one's own shortcomings is half the battle. Sometimes a person who is working on their sobriety will partake in it once or have a drink, and then immediately feel guilty about doing so.
If something like this occurs, you should get in touch with your advisor or sponsor as soon as possible. If the situation is handled properly and the individual is willing to acknowledge that they made a mistake, a slip can actually help enhance a person's path to recovery. It is essential to a successful recovery to acquire the skills necessary to establish confidence not just in oneself but also in the members of one's support group. The development of resilience can begin at the individual level as well as at the community level through practices such as honesty, open communication, and self-acceptance. People who are battling drug addiction require the assistance of trained professionals in order to learn how to live a sober lifestyle and to live without the drug that they choose to abuse.
